Title

Author

Date of Award

12-1987

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Dr. Jack Michael

Second Advisor

Dr. Wayne Fuqua

Third Advisor

Dr. Galen Alessi

Access Setting

Masters Thesis-Open Access

Abstract

This study replicated the findings and expanded the assessment procedures of a previous study that had established the effectiveness of a multi-component infant-care skills training program for first-time fathers. A multiple probe design was used in this study to demonstrate that the training program produced criterion performance of the infant-care skills by four experimental fathers; also, an increase in the frequency of infant stimulation activities initiated by these fathers was observed. A pre/post training evaluation of the effects of the training program on the fathers' performance of play and affectional behaviors and daily infant-care activities yielded negative results. Four control fathers were assessed throughout the study to evaluate the effects of time, and exposure to their infants on the same dependent measures as the experimental fathers.